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How to skip iterations in a loop?

python
exception-handling
try-except
continue
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Jan 11, 2025
TLDR

The power of continue let's you go beyond your current iteration like you're running on the Matrix, it halts this one and makes a quantum leap to the next, leaving everything else in its wake.

Here's how you could use it to avoid those unwelcome odd numbers members in your loop's party:

for i in range(10): if i % 2 != 0: continue # sorry odd ones, you're not on the list. print(i) # Party numbers: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8

Exception handling in loops, no mistakes just happy little accidents

In the Bob Ross of Python programming, there are no mistakes, only happy little exceptions. And you catch these exceptions with a try-except block. Make a Bob Ross out of your loop and handle exceptions gracefully. Use continue to avoid letting these happy exceptions crash your party:

for i in range(10): try: result = 10 / i # oh no, a black hole at i = 0 except ZeroDivisionError: continue # damn black hole, just skip it! print(result)

Notice how you let the music play by keeping your party (loop) goingoutside the try-except block.

Catching the right fish

Not all exceptions are evil, some are just misunderstood. Catch exceptions specifically to avoid silencing the good ones and ensure continue is used only for the right ones.

Here's how this looks:

for i in range(10): try: # Code that might make your program throw a tantrum process_data(i) except ValueError: continue # ValueError you are not allowed in! except KeyError: # The key to handling KeyError's handle_key_error(i) # Fun and games for successful ones post_process(i)

continue 101 for advanced adventures

In the Python playground, you get other cool toys besides continue like else and break. Combine these for a more adventurous loop ride!

for num in complex_data_structure(): if not validate(num): continue # Sorry kids, no ride for you! if critical_condition_met(num): process_critically(num) break # This is getting too wild, I'm out! process_regularly(num) # Let's continue to party! else: no_critical_data() # chill time if 'break' never happened

Better loops for a better tomorrow

Like any good hero, continue saves the day and enhances your program's efficiency. It allows your loop to recover gracefully from errors and march on without looking back.

for item in data_stream: try: process(item) # Process, my dear Watson except SpecificProcessingError as e: # Not today Watson! log_error(item, e) continue # Onward to the next clue!

High-Five to try-except

Trust try-except blocks for a suave error management in loops. This combo prevents any error from gate crashing and shutting down the party.

while true_condition(): try: risky_operation() # Handling snakes 🐍 except KnownRisk as kr: # Oops, snake bite! handle_known_exception(kr) continue # Snakebite? No problem, game on! process_follow_up() # Continue the jungle adventure

Look out for pitfalls

Overly broad except: blocks can lead you to hidden traps. They could catch unintended exceptions and keep bugs safe and warm. Be specific in your except clauses, ensuring only the intended exceptions are dealt with by the continue statement.